Section 3: Informational Notice to Owners Required (for State and LPA)
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Federal regulations require that property owners be notified of TxDOT's interest in acquiring right of way. Property owners must also be informed of basic protections provided to them by law, and of TxDOT regulations and procedures.
Provide notice after the project is released for acquisition, and schedule this to provide favorable relations with property owners. The notice may be given before or at pre-appraisal contact. For information, see Negotiation Contacts and Reports (for State) and for Negotiation Contacts and Reports (for LPA).
The notice should be understandable and should include the name and telephone number of a TxDOT representative. Property owners unable to read or understand the notice must be given appropriate translation and counseling. With this informational notice, furnish TxDOT's booklet State Purchase of Right of Way or Purchase of Right of Way by Cities or Counties which briefly explains the right of way acquisition process to property owners. This notice is not the same as the relocation assistance notice discussed in Notices and Contacts With Displacees or the Landowner Bill of Rights. Form ROW N-INTO Informational Notice to Owner is available.
All TxDOT contractors (including subcontractors) must be identifiable as working for TxDOT during any contact with the public and carry identification as proof of authorization issued by TxDOT. Personnel must wear identification in the form of a badge which indicates the name of the authorized company (when applicable) and employee name. This badge is required to be visible when performing work on behalf of ROW. In addition to the badge, personnel must have the introductory letter as provided by the Right of Way Project Manager or designee readily available when meeting with the public.